Our Attorneys

Denise C. Hammond

Denise Hammond, Senior Counsel, has focused exclusively on the practice of immigration law for almost 30 years. She has received numerous accolades from clients and peers for her extraordinary level of personal service, her resourcefulness, and her ability to break down complex immigration laws and find creative solutions for the most challenging cases. In 2014, Chambers Global praised Denise’s practice, noting that she “has an incredible client service approach – her personal attention to each case is fantastic.” She works with corporations in a range of industries, including Fortune 500s, leading multi-national law firms, cutting-edge start-ups, research organizations, and healthcare, educational and humanitarian institutions. She also represents individuals, including international medical graduates, scientists and researchers, artists, executives, and other highly accomplished individuals.

Denise’s in-depth knowledge of the regulatory and legislative process and active participation in liaison committees with U.S. Government officials give her a unique vantage point to keep clients immediately informed on late-breaking immigration law and compliance developments. She helps her clients navigate the complex maze of immigration regulations and policies of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), the U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) and the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”). Whether advising on employment-based visa matters, I-9 immigration and E-Verify compliance, or strategic planning to prevent the loss of key-employee immigration status in corporate restructurings, Denise is committed to providing thoughtful, ethical and results-oriented immigration law solutions to meet the needs and expectations of discerning clients.

Denise began her career as a Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, DC, and received the Assistant Attorney General’s Special Commendation Award for Outstanding Service. She frequently speaks at legal, business and HR events and contributes commentary and published articles for industry and legal audiences. She has been featured in the Journal of the American Bar Association and has appeared on public television’s “Law School for the Public.” Recently, Denise was inducted as a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

 

Education

  • JD, Hofstra University
  • Bachelor’s, University of Connecticut

Admissions/Memberships

  • Maryland State Bar Association
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Accolades

  • Thought Leader in Corporate Immigration, Who’s Who Legal, 2020 – present.
  • Lawyer of the Year” in Immigration, Best Lawyers – U.S. News & World Report, 2024.
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers, Immigration Law, U.S. News & World Report, 2008-present.
  • Lawdragon 500, 100 Leading Immigration Lawyers in America, 2023.
  • Lawdragon 500, Hall of Fame, Leading Corporate Employment Lawyer (Immigration), 2020 – 2022.
  • Recognized as a top immigration lawyer in Maryland, Super Lawyers, 2020-2023.
  • Senior Statesperson, District of Columbia, Chambers & Partners USA – The Client’s Guide, 2019 – 2023.
  • Recognized as a top immigration lawyer in Washington, D.C., Super Lawyers, 2020.
  • “Washington DC’s Best Lawyers” and “Best Immigration Attorneys,” Washingtonian Magazine, 2009 – 2020.
  • Listed in Who’s Who Legal for Corporate Immigration, 2008 – present.
  • “Lawyer of the Year for Immigration Law” in Washington DC, Best Lawyers, 2014, 2018.
  • Listed in the 2018, 2017, Edition of The Best Lawyers in AmericaBest Lawyers, 2017.
  • Band-1, District of Columbia, Chambers & Partners USA – The Client’s Guide, 2013 – 2018.
  • Best Lawyers’ Women in the Law – Best Lawyers Spring Business Edition 2017, Mar. 26, 2017
  • Band-2, Nationwide, Chambers & Partners USA – The Client’s Guide, 2017.
  • Band-2, Global, Chambers Global, 2017.
  • “Top 10 Immigration Lawyers” in Washington, DC, Legal Times, 2006.

Professional Activities/Pro-Bono Work

  • Fellow, American Bar Association, Lifetime Appointment, 2013 – present.
  • Member, AILA National: USCIS Policy and Benefits Liaison Committee, 2013 – present; Mid-Year Conference Planning Committee, 2010; DOL Liaison Committee, 2008-2009; U.S. Social Security Liaison Committee, 2005-2006; 9/11 Commission Recommendations Working Group, 2004.
  • Chair, AILA National: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Liaison Committee, 2010-2011; Annual Conference Committee, 2008; U.S. Social Security Liaison Committee, 2007-2008; Driver’s License Task Force, 2004-2005.
  • Co-Chair, American Bar Association Immigration Committee/International Division, 2013; Vice-Chair, 2012.
  • Ambassador, American Immigration Council, 2012 – present.
  • Guest Lecturer, American University Washington College of Law, 2009 – present.
  • Guest Lecturer, George Washington University Law School, 2009 – present.
  • Governor’s Driver’s License Task Force, State of Maryland, 2005.
  • Chair, Immigration Section of the Bar Association of Montgomery County, Maryland, 1995-1996.
  • Member, Maryland State Bar Association, Law Practice Management Section, 1994-1995.
  • Delegate, White House Conference on Small Business, 1986.
  • General Counsel, National Association of Women Business Owners, Capital Area Chapter and Special Counsel to National Board, 1985-1986.

Selected Publications

  • Risks Of Including H-1B Workers In Companywide Pay CutsLaw360, May 7, 2020 (with Yeon Me Kim).
  • Finally! The DHS Rule on International Entrepreneurs Is Long Overdue, Entrepreneur, May 25, 2017.
  • DHS Rule on International Entrepreneurs is Long Overdue, Modern Restaurant Management, May 16, 2017.
  • The USCIS Adjudicator’s Field Manual (In Transition to the Policy Manual), AILA, Immigration Practice Pointers (2011-12 Ed.) (co-author).
  • Upgrading Systems—Improving Technology to Maximize Profitability, AILA, Immigration Practice Pointers(2011-12 Ed.).
  • Agency Manuals: Can They Be Enforced? AILA, Immigration Practice Pointers (2010-11 Ed.).
  • Hidden Gems in the USCIS Adjudicator’s Field Manual, AILA, Immigration Practice Pointers (2010-11 Ed.).
  • Protecting the Corporate Client in the New Era of Immigration Worksite Enforcement Liability, The Maryland Bar Bulletin, Aug. 15, 2009 (Volume XXVI Number 8).
  • L-1B Specialized Knowledge: Lessons Learned in Making the Case, AILA, Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook (2007-08 Ed.).
  • Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor … And Your Best and Your Brightest, The Maryland Bar Journal, July/Aug. 2006 (Volume XXXIX Number 4) (co-author).
  • The L-1Visa Program for Intracompany Transfers: An Antidote to Outsourcing, The Maryland Bar Journal, Nov./Dec. 2005 (Vol. XXXVIII, No. 6).
  • Unintelligent Intelligence Reform: Federal Control of Driver’s Licensing, AILA, Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook (2005-06 Ed.) (co-author).
  • Alien Enumeration: Demythicizing the SSN, AILA, Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, Vol. 2 (2005-06 Ed.).
  • Safeguarding the Immigration Infrastructure in Business Reorganizations, The Maryland Bar Journal, Feb./Mar. 2004.
  • Contributing Editor, Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook, Ira J. Kurzban, AILA, Ninth Ed. (2004-05, 2003-04, 2002-03).
  • Social Insecurity: Aliens, Employers, and Social Security Requirements, AILA, Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, Vol. 2 (2004-05 Ed.) (co-author).
  • Working the New ‘Culture of No,’ LegalTimes, Vol. XXVI, No. 30, July 28, 2003.
  • Immigration and Sexual Orientation: Developing Standards, Options and Obstacles, Interpreter Releases, Vol. 77, No. 4, Jan. 2000.
  • K-1 Fiance(e)s: The ‘Hybrid’ Visa, AILA, Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, Vol. 1 (2000-01 Ed.).
  • Uncommon Visas: C, TWOV, D, R, and S Nonimmigrants, AILA, Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, Vol. 1 (2000-01 Ed.).
  • Common Myths About Employer Sanctions and Citizenship Discrimination, Bar Association of Montgomery County Newsletter, Vol. 42, No. 9, Feb. 1995.

Selected Presentations

  • “A Family Law Full-Day Symposium,” Maryland Bar Association and District of Columbia Bar Family Law Section, Jan. 30, 2015.
  • “U.S. Visas For Foreign Entrepreneurs,” U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC), with Becki Young, Washington, DC, Oct. 2015.
  • “I-9 and E-Verify Compliance” presented to Professor N. Lawrence’s class at American University Law School, Joint presentation with Becki Young, Washington, DC, Oct. 2015.
  • “July Immigration Series,” National Restaurant Association, with Becki Young, July 22, 2015.
  • “LCAs and Required Documentation (Public Access and DOL Inspection Files),” AILA Annual Conference, June 2014.
  • “The USCIS Adjudicator’s Field Manual (In Transition to the Policy Manual),” AILA Annual Conference, June 2013.
  • Corporate LiveWire Round Table on Immigration Law 2013.
  • “I-9 Employment Verification and E-Verify,” Guest Lecturer, Washington College of Law at American University, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013.
  • “I-9 Employment Verification and E-Verify,” Guest Lecturer, George Washington University School of Law, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013.
  • “What Corporate and Employment Lawyers Should Know About Immigration and I-9 Compliance,” Bar Association of Montgomery County, Maryland, Oct. 24, 2013.
  • “I-9 and E-Verify Compliance,” Bar Association of Montgomery County, Maryland, Mar. 20, 2013.
  • “I-9 and E-Verify Compliance,” Maryland State Bar Association webinar, Feb. 28, 2013.
  • “I-9 and E-Verify Compliance for Corporate and Employment Attorneys,” Bar Association of Montgomery County, Maryland, Nov. 2, 2012.
  • “Immigration Ethics,” State Bar of Virginia Continuing Legal Education, Aug. 2012.
  • “The Business Side of Running a Law Practice,” AILA Annual Conference, June 2011.
  • “Treasures in Smithsonian: Agency Field Manuals Contain Hidden Gems,” AILA Annual Conference, June 2010.
  • “Picking the Right Training Visa,” AILA Audio Conference, June 2010.
  • “The Impact of Global Migration on Business Immigration Practice. Revolving Doors in U.S. Business Immigration: Beyond the Border and Back,” AILA Midyear Conference, Jan. 29, 2010.
  • “E-Verify and I-9 Compliance for Federal Contractors,” Montgomery County Department of Economic Development, Dec. 9, 2009.
  • “I-9 Employment Verification,” AILA DC Chapter New Member Division, Meet the Expert Series Seminar, Nov. 19, 2009.
  • “Dotting Your I’s and Crossing Your T’s: Government Enforcement & LCA Compliance,” AILA DC Chapter Conference, Nov. 16, 2009.
  • “Immigration Overview,” Homeland Security Law and Policy Class, George Washington University Law School, Nov. 3, 2009.
  • “Avoiding Worksite Enforcement Liability: E-Verify and I-9 Compliance for Federal Contractors and Other Companies,” Clark Construction Group, LLC, Oct. 13, 2009.
  • “Strategies for Success in Labor Certification Processing,” AILA Seminar, Feb. 12, 2009.
  • “PERM Overview and PERM Avoidance,” The Bright Lights of AILA Conference, Columbia, MD, Nov. 21, 2008.
  • “PERM: The New Form & The Latest Developments,” AILA, Chicago, IL, Aug. 2008.
  • “Hot Topics in Immigration Law,” AILA Annual Conference, Vancouver, Canada, June 2008.
  • “The Great Immigration Debate: How it Can Affect Your Practice,” AILA Annual Conference, Vancouver, Canada, June 2008.
  • “Avoiding Labor Certification,” ALI-ABA’s Immigration Law: Basics and More, Washington, DC, May 2008.
  • “Immigration Enforcement in the Workplace,” National Payroll Association Capital Area Summit, Washington, DC, Mar. 2008.
  • “Immigrant Visa Overview,” Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, Feb. 2008.
  • “Immigration and Farm Labor: Avoiding Trouble Now and Planning for the Future,” Annual Conference of the American Farm Bureau, New Orleans, LA, Jan. 2008.
  • “How to Respond to a SSA ‘No-Match’ Letter and Why Every Employer Should Care,” Virginia Continuing Legal Education Audio Seminar, Nov. 2007.
  • “The I-9 Gets a Make-Over and Other Developments in Employment Verification,” AILA Teleconference Series, Nov. 2007.
  • “Immigration Overview,” Harbor Hospital, Oct. 2007.
  • “SSA No-Match Letters, Enforcement & the Future: Challenges for Agriculture,” American Farm Bureau, Sept. 2007.
  • “The REAL ID Act and You,” Washington Area Foreign Student & Scholar Advisors, June 2007.
  • “The Nuts and Bolts of Employment-Based Immigration,” The Maryland Institute for Continuing Professional Education of Lawyers, Inc., June 2007.
  • “Breakfast with the Experts: Nonimmigrant Visas,” AILA Annual Conference of the American Immigration, Orlando, FL, June 2007.
  • “Nonimmigrant Visas for Employment: H-1B Specialty Occupation Workers and TN NAFTA Professionals,” ALI-ABA’s Immigration Law: Basics and More, Washington, DC, Apr. 2007.
  • “Employment Law for Immigration Lawyers,” AILA Teleconference Series, March 2007.
  • “The SSA Mismatch Letter in ICE Enforcement,” AILA Teleconference Series, Nov. 2006.
  • “Nonimmigrant Visas for Employment: H-1B Specialty Occupation Workers and TN NAFTA Professionals,” ALI-ABA’s Immigration Law: Basics and More, Washington, DC, May 2006.
  • “The SSA Mismatch Letter: How to Respond,” American Farm Bureau, Washington, DC, Feb. 2006.
  • “The B-1 Visa for Business Visitors,” AILA Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, UT, June 2005.
  • “Policies, Perspectives and Practice: The REAL ID Act,” AILA Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, UT, June 2005.
  • “Nonimmigrant Visas for Employment: H-1B Specialty Occupation Workers and TN NAFTA Professionals,” ALI-ABA’s Immigration Law: Basics and More, Washington, DC, May 2005.
  • “The Nuts and Bolts of Immigration,” The Maryland Institute for Continuing Professional Education of Lawyers, Inc., Feb. 2005.
  • “Social Security Issues in Immigration Law,” AILA Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA, June 2004.
  • “Social Security and Driver’s License Issues for Immigrants,” AILA Teleconference Series, July 2004.
  • “Obligations Employer Sanctions: New Players for New Times (SSA, State DMV),” AILA Teleconference Series, Feb. 11, 2003.
  • “The Nuts and Bolts of Immigration,” The Maryland Institute for Continuing Professional Education of Lawyers, Inc., Dec. 2002.
  • “Introduction to the Structure and Concepts of Immigration Law,” AILA Annual Conference, Chicago, IL, June 2001.
  • “Immigration Compliance in I-9 Verification and Recruitment,” America Online, Inc., Oct. 2000.
  • “I-9 Compliance: The AILA Perspective,” co-presented to the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, U.S. Department of Justice, Sept. 2000.
  • “Immigration Law for the Business Attorney,” Bar Association of Montgomery County, Maryland, Apr. 1999.
  • “Nonmarital Relationships and Other Foreign Affairs,” AILA Annual Conference, Chicago, IL, June 1998.
  • “Immigration Considerations for In-House Recruiters,” America Online, Inc., June 1998.
  • “Immigration Considerations for the In-House Attorney,” America Online, Inc., Legal Department, Dec. 1997.
  • “Immigration Law Basics,” America Online, Inc., Jan. 1996.
  • “Immigration Law: Verifying Work Authorization and Avoiding Discrimination,” Bar Association of Montgomery County CLE, Mar. 1994.
  • “Immigration Law for Employers,” Montgomery County High Technology Council, June 1993.
  • “Obligations, Options and Issues: Selected Business Immigration Law Topics,” Bar Association of Montgomery County CLE, Mar. 1993.
  • “What Every Photogrammetrist Needs to Know About Immigration Law,” American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 1990.

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